Andrew Thomas Huang: Finding Yourself Through the Process of Creating
Jan 18, 2024
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Andrew Thomas Huang, Grammy-nominated director with a unique style blending fantasy with reality and deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and queer Asian mythology, talks about his journey, collaborations with artists like Björk and FKA Twigs, creating 'Earth Eater' inspired by 90s erotic thrillers, importance of collaboration, separating creativity from capitalism, transformative project 'Kiss of the Rabbit God,' and appreciation for stunning cinematography.
Collaboration with Bjork taught the director the importance of trust and loyalty in sustaining artistic relationships.
Embracing failure fearlessly is crucial for artistic growth and pushing boundaries in the creative process.
The director's upbringing and intersection of queer and Asian identities have influenced their commitment to challenge traditional narratives and embrace representation.
Deep dives
Long-standing collaboration with Bjork and the importance of trust and longevity
The podcast episode highlights the director's long-standing collaboration with Bjork, spanning 10 years. The director expresses gratitude for Bjork's trust in their work, even when they felt they may have failed as a collaborator. The collaboration with Bjork has taught them the importance of sustaining trust and loyalty, which has been a valuable learning experience. They also mention how Bjork's approach to creativity, embracing play and rest, has influenced their own artistic process.
Lessons learned from failure and the value of embracing risk
The director shares insights about the significance of failure and the need to embrace it fearlessly. They believe that failure is an integral part of sitting in one's own power and taking risks in the creative process. By accepting failure and learning from it, artists can grow and push boundaries in their work. They emphasize the importance of learning to curate and refine one's portfolio over time, showcasing only the best work while also valuing the process of experimentation and learning.
Exploring identity, representation, and the power of art
The podcast delves into the director's reflections on identity and representation, highlighting the impact of their upbringing and their desire to create art that challenges traditional narratives. They discuss the role of art in revealing oneself and the potential for it to inspire personal transformation. The director shares how their own experiences with underrepresentation and the intersection of queer and Asian identities have influenced their creative journey. They express a commitment to carving a path in the industry that defies rigid labels and embraces the power of representation.
Importance of Finding Your Artistic Voice
Finding your voice as an artist is not a fixed destination but rather a continuous journey of embracing your current passions and allowing room for change. While there are trends and external influences in the industry, what remains constant are your ideas, fascinations, and personal approach to collaboration. Embracing your uniqueness, being unapologetic about your interests, and infusing them into your work can help you develop a coherent voice that is truly yours.
Navigating the Challenges of Maintaining Artistic Identity in Commissioned Work
Maintaining your artistic signature while working on commercial projects can be challenging, as creative freedom may be limited and the focus is often on the brand or client's vision. However, opportunities to express your voice may arise in rare cases or when you self-generate your own projects. Being prolific and curating your best work, as well as collaborating with like-minded individuals, can help you navigate these challenges and preserve your artistic voice. While the commercial field may not always prioritize creativity, finding ways to stay true to your unique ideas and fascinations can contribute to making your work stand out.
On this episode of the Cinematography Salon Podcast, hosts Peter Pascucci and Ava Benjamin Shorr welcome Andrew Thomas Huang, a versatile director blending fantasy with reality. They discuss his journey from a Fine Art and Animation student at USC to becoming a Grammy-nominated director and how his collaborations with artists like Björk and FKA Twigs reflect his unique style, deeply rooted in Chinese heritage and queer Asian mythology.
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